New Eagles coach Fabulous Flournoy's first task as British basketball's youngest playcaller will be to reunite last season's celebrated backcourt duo.

Flournoy finally fought off the challenge of Peter Scantlebury to succeed Tony Garbelotto in the Telewest Arena hotseat yesterday.

And the ambitious American, who will operate as player-coach following a campaign ravaged by serious injury, has set his sights on pairing TJ Walker with Jeremy Hyatt for the second successive season.

Although fans' favourite Ralph Blalock remains in the picture it has emerged that Hyatt's proposed move to Italy has fallen through and the talented guard has made it clear he favours a swift return to Tyneside.

Flournoy is eager to surround himself with as many familiar faces as possible as he prepares for his rookie season as a coach, and is a big admirer of his fellow countryman.

However, Blalock could yet force a rethink within the club should he be granted residency documents in the near future and qualify as a non-permit player, and managing director Paul Blake faces a frantic month ahead.

"I can't disclose individual targets but there are several names in the frame for next season and Fab is the first player assured a place on the roster," explained the Newcastle chief.

"Now that he has accepted the position of player-coach we will work together to build up the rest of the squad and, although nothing has been agreed just yet, I can confirm that negotiations with TJ Walker are ongoing."

Flournoy has been based in Britain for the past six years and yesterday's appointment represents the high point of a successful BBL career.

The 28-year-old is a popular figure within the game and his appointment has already led to Walker, among others, moving towards signing a fresh deal with the Eagles. One player who has yet to work alongside Flournoy is Andrew Mavis but it is understood Blake contacted the former Newcastle favourite yesterday with a view to offering the Canadian Olympian a fresh contract.

Both Blake and Flournoy remain committed to the club's long-term policy of developing homegrown talent.

However, there has been no tightening of the league's work permit rules this summer, meaning the Eagles cannot afford to ignore imported players. "It would appear that certain sides are determined to put all-foreign starting fives on the floor again next season and we cannot use mainly English players to the detriment of our short-term success," added Blake.

"We must be competitive and, at the same time, hope that the powers that be realise that they must limit work-permit and non-permit spots to the bare minimum if we are to encourage England's best players to develop their skills at home."